At the 2025 Eisteddfod Urdd Festival, former Wales rugby captain, Alun Wyn Jones, unveiled a surprising new talent—his steadily improving Welsh language skills. Embracing the role of a proud "Eisteddfod Dad," Alun chatted with S4C's Alun Williams, giving a warm and honest glimpse into his journey learning the language, in what is being dubbed his first ever Welsh speaking interview. Set against the backdrop of Margam Country Park, its historic castle visible in the distance, Alun Williams introduced "the legend" Alun Wyn Jones to the camera and asked how he was feeling. Showing a rare touch of nerves—something not often seen from the experienced number five—Alun responded simply in Welsh that he was “well.” The former Welsh International explained that he was at the festival supporting his daughter, who is competing this year, and added he was there to watch the clog dance, orchestra, and folk dancing. "Lots of things to see!" he laughed. When asked if he considered himself an "Eisteddfod Dad," Alun proudly replied in Welsh, "Yes, an 'Eisteddfod Dad' and coffee helps." Alun's Welsh was further tested when he was asked what he thought about the event so far. He said, "People are enjoying." Then he admitted, "I've just started speaking Welsh. It's nice to be able to use the language with people like you," gesturing to the interviewer. When the interviewer praised Alun's Welsh as "excellent," Alun responded humbly, "A little bit, a little bit. I try and practice, practice, practice. Confidence comes with it, fingers crossed!" Asked what motivated him to learn Welsh, Alun shared, "I've played rugby around the world but I didn’t speak Welsh. Now I travel and bring the language with me." Originally from Swansea , Alun also revealed that his wife and daughter speak Welsh. "I am the minority in our house!" he laughed. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here The Urdd Eisteddfod is a much-loved national event that draws thousands of children and young people each year to take part in Welsh-language competitions such as singing, reciting, and dancing. The festival is currently underway at Margam Country Park, running from May 26 to May 31, marking the first time since 2003 that the event has been held there. Tickets are still available for those wishing to attend. Beyond arts and cultural competitions, the Urdd Eisteddfod also celebrates sports including football and rugby—something Alun highlighted as especially important. "It's so important to promote the sport as well at the Urdd Eisteddfod as well as the musical competitions. It's a fantastic opportunity for children to play sport and speak Welsh." As the interview came to a close, Alun Williams joked, "I must say, when I speak with people that don’t speak Welsh as a first language and they ask me what my name is and I say 'Alun' and they say 'Alan?' I always say, 'You know Alun Wyn Jones, Welsh rugby captain? The same name.'" With a grin, Alun Wyn replied, "Probably better at rugby as well!" This lighthearted moment comes just months after a more emotional conversation for Alun Wyn Jones. In a heartfelt discussion on the High Performance podcast, he opened up about his late father, who passed away in 2016 after a long illness—before Alun had the chance to represent Wales and the British and Irish Lions. Reflecting on his father's legacy, Alun shared, "I hope he's proud. I'll never forget him and the kids know all about who he was, and what he did. I would happily be remembered as the son of my father." Read the full story here.